A Dreamy Beach In Hawaii Is The Perfect Place To Feast On The Most Mouth-Watering Local Seafood

If you're planning a trip to the Aloha State, what's the best way to pick the perfect Hawaiian island for your visit? Despite the wildfires of 2023, don't hesitate to check out West Maui. It is well on the road to recovery and still home to one of TripAdvisor's Best of the Best Beaches in the world: Kāʻanapali Beach. Among the most spectacular beaches in Hawaii, this 3-mile stretch of white sandy paradise started as a retreat for royalty and has been a playground for the rich and famous ever since it became Hawaii's first planned resort in the early '60s. 

Not only do you have five hotels and six condominium villages to choose from clustered along the coastline, but there are also endless activities to keep you occupied. Start your morning paddleboarding or snorkeling at Black Rock and end the day with a sunset while watching the famous Kāʻanapali cliff diving ceremony — one of the best outdoor activities in Hawaii. Plus, you'll have access to some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the archipelago.

There are a lot of fantastic restaurants packed into this small area, so it's hard to go wrong. Do you like unassuming little local joints? The Fish Market may be small, but the word is out about the super fresh seafood. It's the perfect spot to grab some fish tacos or a poke bowl to go before you hit the beach. Plus, if you want to indulge in a barbeque at your condo, the Fish Market offers lobster, ahi, mahi-mahi, and more straight off the boat. 

If you're looking for a casual oceanfront spot with daily live local music, Duke's Beach House is a popular go-to. Reviewers on TripAdvisor love the mahi-mahi and seafood risotto. Don't forget a slice of decadent Hula Pie for dessert — a thick layer of macadamia nut ice cream slathered in hot fudge. If you want to experience authentic island comfort food, Hula Grill is the winner. Local farmers and fishermen deliver their goods to Hula Grill's kitchen each day, while chefs prepare the menus developed by Peter Merriman, one of the pioneers in the development of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine — a food revolution celebrating local products and dishes.

Thanks to its sweeping romantic setting, many travelers choose Maui to celebrate milestones like honeymoons, engagements, and anniversaries. So of course Kāʻanapali has plenty of fine dining options as well. Roy's has been a Maui staple for 30 years and is well worth a visit for its inventive Asian and island fusion cuisine. Chef Roy Yamaguchi has a long list of local farms and fishermen he employs to bring his dishes to life. Seafood connoisseurs will love the misoyaki butterfish, but if you're craving red meat try the Szechuan-style baby back pork ribs. 

Although popular spot Leilani's on the Beach has plenty of casual options via their beach bar, its dinner menu is decidedly fine dining. Taking advantage of the local produce and seafood, this gorgeous oceanfront spot has won countless awards and continues to be a local favorite since opening its doors in 1982. And don't forget about Son'z Steakhouse. The jaw-dropping dining room with its dramatic waterfalls and sunset views would be right at home at a high-end resort in Las Vegas, and it's the perfect backdrop for a celebration. Although the menu is, understandably, full of high-end choice cuts of beef, it also has some incredible options from the ocean like lobster tail and the impressive seafood tower.